I realized I never shared these from my other accounts, and since many of them have queer themes, this month seems like the perfect time to crosspost. Comics posted in alphabetical order.
Always Human A sci-fi story set in a world where nanobots and biological modifications (“mods”) are common-place and frequently used in everyday life, Always Human deals with Sunati, a young university student, and a girl she’s both fascinated and infatuated with–Austen, who, due to a genetic condition, cannot use mods. The coloring is gorgeous and each strip has musical accompaniment!
This comic takes place in a mythical land of warring magical factions: Orphics, who are born with magical talent and have ruled for centuries, and Academics, who have studied to become magicians. 300 years ago, Academics in Aberwelle overthrew their Orphic monarchy–but rumors remain that the youngest princess escaped into the woods, and remains in service to the spirits of the forest. Creative, touching, and with an absolutely beautiful art style.
Rating: G Status: Ongoing Genre: Adventure/supernatural
This comic weaves together the stories of four young folks dealing with your typical young people problems–with the recent addition of time travel. Featuring identity problems, bullying, and murder, there are definitely some heavy themes going on here. It’s a fairly quick read, but the story feels very complete, and not at all rushed!
This comic by Yuumei is both the first webcomic I ever started (somehow I missed it on my last list!) and one of the most visually stunning comics I’ve ever read. The usage of color and lighting is fantastic. The storyline follows a pair of young people operating some kind of rebellion against a semi-futuristic, oppressive government, and the clueless roommate who’s getting dragged into their fight.
Combining–you guessed it–a wild west setting with gothic themes like demon-raising, this comic strikes a unique aesthetic. Jack, a young cowboy, makes a deal to save the love of her life, Evelyn, and in the process acquires a very specialized new career.There’s also a whole town of queer women!
Rating: T Status: Complete Genre: Supernatural/Western
Listen this comic is not long right now but I am already so fucking invested in this. The art is gorgeous, from the backgrounds to the hands, the story is subtle and slow-burn, the characters are tender and deep–I find it difficult to read this comic with a straight face I love it so much. But maybe I’m biased–check it out and see for yourself.
Sonya is a village girl who gets lost on a skiing expedition, and Kyra is the fire spirit who inhabits the ruinous castle where Sonya takes shelter. Together, they travel through this fantastical old palace, and Sonya tries to convince Kyra to leave it--and her past--behind. This is a gorgeously drawn, sweet romance with all the fun of exploring a haunted house. Rating: PG Status: Ongoing Genre: Fantasy romance
Lackadaisy is hands-down one of my favorite comics. Telling the story of Rocky, a rum-runner in Prohibition-era America, and Miss Mitzy, who runs the speakeasy, Lackadaisy dips a paw into the stories of each of those involved in this illicit, occasionally slapdash, and explosive crime ring. The art style is absolutely gorgeous, stunning in its detail, and the characters are sure to win you over. Rating: M Status: Ongoing Genre: Historical/crime
This is the story of two rival “gangs” in an American high school in the 1950s. Connie, leader of the Jaquettes, is constantly butting heads with Frankie, leader of the Rollers. She’s also got another problem–Carla, a really cute girl at school, who absolutely is not impressed with Connie’s street cred. R&R deals heavily with LGBTQ themes of all sorts and sports a simple, whimsical art style, as well as cute 50s fashion!
Rating: T Status: Complete Genre: Slice of life/Romance
Shaderunners Ahhh what can I say about Shaderunners? I love this comic–it’s my absolute favorite. The usage of color is gorgeous, the idea is great (the world is entirely grayscale, and the wealthy have gotten ahold of color, so our merry band of thieves make it their business to steal the color and make it available for the common man), the characters are amazing! They’re all so distinct and–dare I say it–colorful. Moreover, this comic seamlessly blends LGBTQ relationships and identities without the slightest hint of other-ing. Plus, a faux 1920s setting in a fantasy world! If you read one comic on this list, read Shaderunners.
This is a relatively new number by the same author/artist as Always Human. It's a cute, fluffy office romance fic with a dash of supernatural flavor. Its colorful art and adorable character designs make it a visual pleasure and Tess, the protagonist, is surely relatable for anyone who's ever tried to force themselves to get over a crush.
Less a continuous story and more a series of comic vignettes, this is the adorable story of two superhero girlfriends–May Ai (AKA Tank) and Molly Lamarck (AKA Shift). Addressing both some kick-ass battles as well as more quotidian issues like family struggles, Supercakes features a simple, pleasing style and charming characters.
Rating: G Status: Unclear Genre: Slice of life/Superheroes
This one was recommended to me by a coworker, and I couldn’t be more glad. Both the story and the art style are as cute as can be, and it’s just such a pleasant read. It’s not very long, but so worth the read. It’s about Greta, apprenticed to her mother the blacksmith, and how she discovers the tea dragons–small reptiles whose horns grow leaves for the most exquisite tea–and the gentle souls who cultivate them. Rating: G Status: Complete Genre: Fantasy/slice of life
An epic tale of resistance, Vattu centers on the struggles of the colonized peoples of the Sahtan Empire, particularly young Vattu, who becomes something of a mythical figure after she is kidnapped from her native home. The author/artist conveys so much with a simple art style and the story is deeply engaging. Vattu takes its time unfurling, but it is so worth the wait.
Witchy takes place in an Asian-inspired fantasy world where the strength of your magic is determined by the length of your hair. Witches with hair too long threaten the ruling government, and are subject to execution. Protagonist Nyneve’s father was one such witch. This is a great one you guys, I really love the story the author is building here, and the character designs are fantastic. It strikes the right balance between serious, given the plot line, but humorous enough that it’s not a downer. Rating: T Status: Ongoing Genre: Fantasy/adventure